Argentina Rallies Past Egypt to Reach World Cup Quarterfinals

Argentina scored three times in the final 11 minutes of regulation and stoppage time to complete a stunning 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in a FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match in Atlanta on Tuesday. Egypt appeared on course for one of the tournament's biggest upsets after goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico gave the African side a 2-0 lead, while Lionel Messi missed a first-half penalty and struck the post as Argentina struggled to find a breakthrough. Cristian Romero pulled a goal back in the 79th minute before Messi equalized four minutes later, and Enzo Fernández headed home the winner in stoppage time to send the defending champions into the last eight.

The victory extends Argentina's bid to become the first men's team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win consecutive FIFA World Cup titles. Argentina, champions in 2022, had already survived a difficult Round of 32 match against Cape Verde before overcoming another major test against an Egyptian side making its first appearance in the World Cup knockout stage. Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, had impressed throughout the tournament and came within minutes of reaching the quarterfinals before Argentina's late rally changed the outcome.